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32nd out of 199 books
—
31 voters
Out on a Limb
Her most controversial book is one you will never forget.An outspoken thinker, a celebrated actress, a truly independent woman, Shirley MacLaine goes beyond her previous two bestsellers to take us on an intimate yet powerful journey into her personal life and inner self.An intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician sparks Shirley MacLaine's quest of self-...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
October 1st 1986
by Bantam
(first published 1983)
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Okay, I admit it. Back in the day I haunted new age crystal stores, hoping to find the long lost spirituality that I never had. Here in Northern California there were plenty of them, believe me. It was the 80s and crystal worshipping was the new fondue. Shirley had all the answers. And who wouldn't have believed her, what with all her hobnobbing with the Rat Pack, and wearing a miniskirt in a Broadway musical. I figured anyone that successful in Hollywood must know what she was talking about.
So,...more
So,...more
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Extremely tedious. Embarrassingly overconfident. Convinced that she understands and can apply science to provide evidence for things like vibrational energies and the eternal nature of the soul. Shockingly racist--full of Orientalism. I think there is a problem with some fulfilled people where they feel the lack of challenge and need to manufacture it so that they don't become bored and static. In this case, the manifestation is this lazy, sloppy jeremiad. Look, I'm not the target audience but I...more
Shirley Maclaine the actress takes us on her journey towards spiritual enlightenment a thoughtful take on her quest to know why we are all here and have we had ‘outside’ influences along the way….
I remember reading this book when I was 17… looking back I see what a huge influence it has had on my life… I know Shirley got a lot of flack when this originally came out in 1983, but as the years have passed so many more people have actually written on this subject, I believe this book should be given...more
I remember reading this book when I was 17… looking back I see what a huge influence it has had on my life… I know Shirley got a lot of flack when this originally came out in 1983, but as the years have passed so many more people have actually written on this subject, I believe this book should be given...more
This is a book for someone who has a thirst for spiritual experience. Shirley MacLaine has written another beautiful autobiography that brilliantly captures her own spiritual quest and adventures. All that you will need in order to enjoy the book is an open mind. You will not be disappointed.
As the author of a spiritually-themed book, I appreciate any book that provides food for the soul. This was definitely a book that did it for me. It was a delightful read that intimately connected me with th...more
As the author of a spiritually-themed book, I appreciate any book that provides food for the soul. This was definitely a book that did it for me. It was a delightful read that intimately connected me with th...more
A very personal account of the famous singer/dancer/actress's journey further into herself as a means to ultimately understand more of the world. She makes wonderful points in favor of reincarnation, and it's a beautiful belief to have..... though I'm still not sure if I do completely >_<. I've always admired her on the screen~ she is quirky and hilarious and adorable, and I was surprised to discover how many sides she has outside of her work. Her talents never seem to end.... it can get o...more
Shirley, Shirley, Shirley, SHIRLEY! What happened? Don't Fall Off the Mountain was such a wonderfully written, sweet book. You shared your story with such authenticity and humility - I was totally charmed! But this infamous book is just awful. It really should be called "What My Friend David Told Me" because that's all this book is..."David told me to read these books..." "David says I need to meditate..." "David says I need a high colonic..." And I didn't even make it to the Alien Are Real sect...more
This was a good book-written in 1980! Maclaine writes about her travels, experiences, thoughts and readings on reincarnation and spirituality. She has a unique way of thinking about things-just like her personality-not afraid to ask questions or just state her thoughts about what is happening around her and what she might not fully understand. She seeks answers by reading, talking to others, traveling to sacred places and by taking quiet time to listen within herself. I like how she takes time t...more
I read this book during a very tough semester in college. I never ever read anything but my school books there - the devoted engineering kid that I was - and yet somehow, I picked up Shirley MacLaine's books and I LOVED it. I loved her writing. It was a complete escape from my life and my day worries, and I loved her open expressions of love affairs, inner conflicts with existence and her explorations and self-discoveries... I loved her journey and her character is quite likable. I'd read it aga...more
This is one of those books that just came along at the right time. It was a significant part of my intellectual journey as it demonstrated that there were things beyond easy scientific explanation - provided you could believe Shirley Maclaine was not fibbing. My view was (and is) that she was telling of real experiences she had had.
She certainly put herself out on a limb writing as she did.
It is in no sense a mystical book but it does undermine the position of the naive realists who judge that...more
She certainly put herself out on a limb writing as she did.
It is in no sense a mystical book but it does undermine the position of the naive realists who judge that...more
I read this book years ago when I really needed a Spiritual Awakening. This book saved my Life when I had given up hope on God, love and life. This true story about Shirley's sacred spiritual journey was eye opening and refreshing. I started to see how I had ignored synchronicity, signs and the flow of letting my life unfold naturally. It started me on my own Spiritual Journey which has been the most Sacred and Trusting path I have ever followed! I reread this book whenever I start to lose my pa...more
I give Shirley MacLaine top marks for honesty and I still enjoy her writing style very much. I know you think I'm going to hammer her for buying into reincarnation and UFO's, etc. But I'm not. She's an explorer and she was exploring a new take on reality. Like all of her explorations, she threw herself into it and tried her best to keep an open mind. Some of what she came up with was very inspiring; an eternal soul, the chance to continue to improve as an entity, the possibility of life beyond t...more
In a candid and courageous exposition, Shirley MacLaine shares the first steps toward her spiritual evolution in Out On A Limb. Braving ridicule and public humiliation, MacLaine first published this memoir in 1986. Twenty-five years and 3 million printed copies later, the book is as relevant (if not more so) than when it first appeared.
MacLaine’s path toward spiritual enlightenment began like many others’. Yearning to understand the meaning of life and to find her greater purpose amongst humani...more
MacLaine’s path toward spiritual enlightenment began like many others’. Yearning to understand the meaning of life and to find her greater purpose amongst humani...more
I have to say I was surprised by this book. I was expecting to read some far out story that couldn't possible apply to anything in my life or this world that I know. I couldn't have been more wrong. What Shirley Maclaine did was take you from the beginning or her search for something in her life that she was not quite aware of. I also expected this book to be a contradiction to my beliefs as a spirt filled christian. I was wrong about that also. She didn't take anything away from the belief in G...more
Wacky but wonderful...in a way. The title of the book "Out on a Limb" is perfect....because it's truly out there. Shirley describes her personal quest for spiritual evolution through travel, observation, meditation, reincarnation research and lots of questions. Put this book on your list if you are at the stage in your life when you're defining what you believe, but if you're at a different stage in life, the book will seem just silly. I'm glad I read it when I did, but won't go back to it.
Having read this book several times before, I was again amazed at all the things I had forgotten from previous readings.
Shirleys 3rd book starts with her affair with Gerry, a married British politican. Not being a fan of exta marital affairs I find this part of the book hard to read. The more interesting parts include her session with Kevin Ryerson, a trans channler and her trip to Peru with her friend David.
Anyone interested in learning more about spiritual topics including reincarnation, and...more
Shirleys 3rd book starts with her affair with Gerry, a married British politican. Not being a fan of exta marital affairs I find this part of the book hard to read. The more interesting parts include her session with Kevin Ryerson, a trans channler and her trip to Peru with her friend David.
Anyone interested in learning more about spiritual topics including reincarnation, and...more
I read Shirley's Out on a Limb when you could say I was in a 'New Ager' phase. Nevertheless, I did find it engrossing and a revelation of Shirley's own spiritual struggle. She takes us to different locations in the world, but the main place of her 'enlightenment' was in South America where she had some incredible experiences. Believe it or not, it did make good reading and proved thought-provoking.
This is the book that started it all for Shirley MacLaine, as far as her involvement in the New Age movement. From her initial visit to the Bodhi Tree bookstore in West Hollywood, to her amazing spiritual journeys, this book detials MacLaine's discovery of her own spirituality, all the while sharing frank insights into her personal life and her career. Enjoyable!
I love Shirley MacLaine, she is a great story teller, drawing you in and making you feel everything she is going through. I love books that make me think about possibilities of things not being what you think they are.This is a good read, I read it in an afternoon, and then wished there were more so I could keep reading it.
Este libro fué muy interezante en su tiempo, sobre todo por tratarse de una celebridad que hablaba abiertamente de estos temas relativos con lo paranormal. y sus propias experiencias . Es una buena lectura para quienes empiezan a sentir una cierta curiosidad y quieren ir de la mano de una persona conocida.
If you ever wondered about what could have been in a prior life or in your next one this book is very interesting. It doesn't mean you are unhappy with your present life. To me it let me use my imagination to think about how things might have been different, not necessarily better or worse.
some interesting experiences and I liked the idea of self discovery but found the style a little self indulgent. one of my fave actresses, maybe's will try another more traditional style biography. Any recommendations, there are a few Shirley books out there?..
I loved this book, this was my 3RD book I have read by Shirley Maclaine. I would of been shocked if I read it when it first came out in July of 1983. Now I do understand the concepts of this book. Talks about the meaning of life, Star Beings, invisible dimensions, the acceleration of spiritual discovery and seeking and more. It is her journey of self discovery that the reader can relate to.
The book that began my spiritual journey of hope.. that God had not forsaken me and it was ok to feel different than everyone else. It also started my life long love of Yoga.. This books holds a very special place in my heart.
Jun 11, 2008
Bethypage42
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
students on summer vacation
Recommended to Bethypage42 by:
Kate Hug (the movie)
Shelves:
new-age-starter-books
What I learned from this book: That life can make you tingle. That questions have answers, but the better the question the crazier the answer.
This is not a book for skeptics or occultists, just for people who like a little sci-fi mixed into their autobiographies. Seriously, she takes you there, you're there "Out on a Limb" with her.
What does it all mean? you tell me. I thought the take home message was-Love is the quantum foam that gives bouncing molecules their shapes...Or if you want a quote...more
This is not a book for skeptics or occultists, just for people who like a little sci-fi mixed into their autobiographies. Seriously, she takes you there, you're there "Out on a Limb" with her.
What does it all mean? you tell me. I thought the take home message was-Love is the quantum foam that gives bouncing molecules their shapes...Or if you want a quote...more
This book is one of those that you have to read at the right time in your life.
It came to me right when I needed it and it was beautiful. Shirley MacLaine is one of my all time greatest teachers.
It came to me right when I needed it and it was beautiful. Shirley MacLaine is one of my all time greatest teachers.
She kind of meanders a bit, but in general I thought it was interesting. I believe in a lot of the same things she hit upon and considering when she wrote this book, she was ahead of her time.
This book was the BEST!! I love Shirley for her courage and for all the amazing work shes done. I've read all the books in this series and was not disappointed with any of them.
May 11, 2011
Don
added it
I didn't read her book for 20 plus years because I was told she was a little strange. I saw her interview on Oprah, read her book, and found she thinks a lot like me. Eye opening book
Yes, I read it. I admit it. Didn't every spiritual, new age person read Shirley McClain? I even watched mini series. I even think Shirley had some good things to say.
Excellent read. Introduces one to the concept of karma, reincarnation and personal responsibility. Shirley did a great service to the world by writing this novel.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Was it just me or did Shirley Maclaine come off as a bit of a pill? | 3 | 14 | Oct 29, 2012 03:17am |
Shirley MacLaine is an Academy Award-winning American film and theatre actress, well-known not only for her acting, but for her devotion to her belief in reincarnation. She is also the writer of a large number of autobiographical works, many dealing with her new age beliefs, such as solipsism, as well as her Hollywood career. She is the older sister of Warren Beatty.
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